10 classic hikes of the Canadian Rockies in B.C., Alberta

Matt Mosteller, For the Calgary Herald07.18.2013

An excellent trail enables you to hike all around Upper Kananaskis Lake.Kathy and Craig Copeland
/ FOR THE CALGARY HERALD

Get fit on one of the best hiking trails in the Canadian Rockies and enjoy a fantasy land tour complete with hobbits carved into the railings, log ladders, troll like bridges, waterfalls that come from no-where and limestone caves beckoning exploration.Powder Matt

Summer comes only once a year, and your body and soul need some action.

So now’s the time to toss the PVR box to the neighbours and get your hiking boots ready for 10 classics. From best views to historic hikes, here’s a sampling of hiking hits in the Canadian Rockies.

These 10 classic hikes won’t disappoint. We will start with primers close to Calgary to get you started and then offer up a plate of trail adventures on a giant circle tour, from day hikes to multi-day backpack trips, that are easily accessible and nearby four adventurous mountain towns.

A few words of warning. The recent floods have closed many routes in Kananaskis and around Canmore, so be sure to check the website before heading out. And remember your hiking safety rules: Pack enough water and food to stay hydrated and strong, dress in layers (don’t forget the bad-weather clothing), make sure to use proper footwear and use a good-quality, well-fitted backpack.

Close to Calgary

For a close and easy picnic-perfect hike to break in those hiking boots, set out for Point campground at Upper Kananaskis Lake. A little more than three kilometres and just over an hour of hiking time gets you views of peaks, sandy beaches and picnic tables ready for overnight tales.

In the footsteps of explorers

Elk Pass is a storied route dating back to the early days when explorers sought passes through the Rockies. Trade routes connected historic B.C. camps, and the bygone days of trading were in full swing. With a gradual access from the Elk Pass parking lot in Kananaskis, this is a nice forested walk that beckons you further into Elk Lake Provincial Park.

Alpine rambling done easy near Golden, B.C.

Golden-filled alpine meadows and an out-of-this world ridge walk make Kicking Horse Mountain Resort the perfect stop, and I’m not just saying that because I work with them. The gondola does all of the heavy lifting on this one, making it perfect for all ages. You can build up your distance to suit all levels, and get immediate spectacular views, even for those who walk less than 100 metres.

Long forgotten, classic backpack gem

Earl Grey Pass, up Toby Creek near Invermere, was once a First Nations trade route before early settlers used it to move cows from the East to West Kootenay to feed the miners breaking ground during the silver boom of early 1900s. This long backpack journey covering 18 kilometres tops out at Earl Grey Pass, surrounded by crags and littered with grassy benches to pitch that tent and spend your day gawking at the alpine splendour.

A Purcell gem near Kimberley, B.C.

The little-known St. Mary’s Alpine Provincial Park is one of my favourite places to escape because nobody goes here and it is filled with days of alpine exploration that can’t be beat. Espresso up in the alpine town of Kimberley to get that blast you will need to climb from the Dewar Creek valley floor to the high alpine entrance into St. Mary’s Alpine Provincial Park — plus endless lake-filled basins tugging at you to see more. The Mortar Lake trail is a great introductory to experience the beauty of this alpine gem.

Short scenic lake near Kimberley

Bring grandma, grandpa and the kids on this stroll to White Boar Lake, rimmed by a rocky ridge and plentiful spots for an afternoon picnic.

Tanglefoot Pass

Wildflowers abound in an alpine basin perched high in the Steeple Range of the Canadian Rockies which command the skyline above Cranbrook, B.C., but it is the emerald green of the lakes that dot the Tanglefoot trail that will mesmerize you.

Easy access lookout gives you some of the best views

Lakit Lookout near Cranbrook, B.C. gives you unbelievable views and is an easy hike, but not such an easy drive. Pay attention on this twisty and narrow forestry road. But don’t let the road stop you from enjoying this gem. Just two kilometres and you are in another world! Mountains on steroids in all directions — no better lunch spot for the whole family.

Base camp for adventure in Fernie, B.C.

The very best comes with a story of a mountain man who cut his trail through one of the most scenic sections of the Canadian Rockies. The local legend and trail builder, Heiko Socher, built the Mountain Lakes Trail, a 24-km masterpiece, from cedar-filled valleys to unmatched high alpine rambling through flower-filled basins. This is a must-do on any serious hiker’s list. Prepare to enter a magical world on this one as you see handcarved railings and benches, weeping waterfalls, mystery tunnels and, if you are lucky, you might catch a hobbit-like character.

Waterton National Park

Crypt Lake, long a favourite of many southern Alberta hikers, is a must-do hike that combines a perfect trifecta of adventure — a boat ride, walking the plank, and a tunnel. Get your adventure as you face your fear of heights and dark tunnels head-on. You can do it, as thousands do each summer.

Matt Mosteller is better known as Powder Matt through his blog at PowderMatt.com or at CalgaryHerald.com. He spends his days on the slopes working at Resorts of the Canadian Rockies. Check out this adventure lover’s first book at mattmosteller.org.

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